The ultimate movie double act is about to be revived! Steve Coogan has been cast as Stan Laurel in BBC Films’ Stan & Ollie, a glimpse behind the duo’s tour of British music halls in the 1950s during the twilight of their career.
Writer Jeff Pope (who adapted Philomena with Coogan) promises a warts ‘n all portrait of two masters of the comedy craft. The Alan Partridge star joins the previously-revealed and similarly-inspired choice of John C.Reilly (above) as Ollie for the battle of words and wits.
Directed by Jon S. Baird, the film sees a wealth of British talent both in front of and behind the camera. Like Charlie Chaplin, Laurel’s roots were in the UK, and the comedy he honed onstage played a vital role in shaping the legendary pratfalls which Hollywood immortalized.
The last attempt to bring back the pair was in disastrous TV movie For Love Or Mummy, which transplanted the slapstick action to the present day, with baffling results. Coogan and Reilly will no doubt be feeling the pressure as they pick up their bowler hats for this excursion.
We look ahead with intrigued, and hopefully excited, breath!
